Two major bridges closed for historic flooding

Arkansas transportation officials have shut down two bridges due to severe flooding in the area.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced on Monday, May 27, that they would be shutting down the US 71B (Midland) Bridge and the I-540 Bridge over the Arkansas River in Fort Smith. The bridges are closed until further notice.

Transportation officials say that the bridges are structurally sound but that the flooded bridge approaches have necessitated the closure.

BREAKING NEWS – the US 71B (Midland) and the I-540 bridges over the #Arkansas River in Ft. Smith will close tonight beginning at 10:00 pm local time. The only available crossing in the area is the State Highway 59 bridge. #ARnews #ARtraffic #ARwx

— Arkansas DOT (@myARDOT) May 27, 2019

The Arkansas Department of Transportation also reports that heavy flooding has shut down several highways and interstates in the Fort Smith area, including Highways 22, 64, 96, 252, 255 and I-540.

Advisory: Sections of Hwys. 22, 64, 96, 252, 255 & Interstate 540 remain closed due to record breaking Arkansas River flooding in Fort Smith (Sebastian County). Details at https://t.co/l1xGNNTado. Flooding info at https://t.co/2ltiZaljv1. #artraffic #nwatraffic pic.twitter.com/OY4uV7olsy

— Arkansas DOT (@myARDOT) May 28, 2019

Forecasters are predicting another four inches of rain for the already flood-devastated area this week.

Fort Smith flood update 8:30 PM. Lots of people on Garrison Ave bridge. @5NEWSGarrett @5NEWSJoe pic.twitter.com/XqYAb2i6KV

— Steve DeLassus (@sdelass) May 28, 2019

You can click here to follow the Arkansas Department of Transportation on Twitter to keep up with the latest road closure information.